Bellingham to stand over ‘crotch grab’ explanation
Jude Bellingham will stand by his explanation that his gesture after scoring against Slovakia was intended as an in-joke when UEFA quiz the England midfielder on the matter.
UEFA have opened an investigation into the gesture Bellingham made in celebration of his stoppage-time equaliser in the last-16 extra-time victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024.
As part of the investigation, UEFA plan to speak to Bellingham, who will reiterate his defence that the gesture was intended as an inside joke directed at some of his close friends at the game.
Bellingham posted a message on X after the gesture was spotted to that effect and it has since emerged he celebrated in a similar manner after scoring for Real Madrid this season.
The message said: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
While the threat of a ban hangs over Bellingham ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland, it is not expected the England midfielder will be punished with a suspension.
Slovakia are not thought to have made a complaint to UEFA about the gesture and have not commented on an investigation being opened on the matter.
AU E FA statement said :“AU E FA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.”
Bellingham cut a relaxed figure yesterday, as he spent the afternoon in the picturesque German city of Erfurt with his family after England’ s players were given time off by manager Gareth Southgate.
Back in England, Manchester United are set to appoint former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell on an initial short-term deal to assist with the club’s recruitment in the summer transfer window.
Vivell, who forged his reputation in the Red Bull group as head of scouting at Salzburg and later as technical director at Leipzig, is expected to join United once a work permit has been approved.
Although the deal will initially be on a short-term basis to help with the summer window, an extended stay has not been discounted as United’s new hierarchy look to build out their football operations under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Vive ll will work closely with technical director Jason Wilcox and newly appointed sporting director Dan Ash worth, with oversight from chief executive Omar Berrada, as United bid to bring an end to a decade of bungled recruitment.
In transfer news, two English midfielders made big-money moves to London Premier League clubs yesterday. Archie Gray (18) joined Tottenham from Leeds United and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall agreed terms with Chelsea and will leave Leicester City. Both deals were for a reported £30m (€35m). (© Telegraph Media Group Ltd, 2024)